Ward boundaries have been proposed in DeKalb for a redistricting following the 2020 census.
DeKalb’s proposed ward map was developed by the City’s Planning Technician and GIS specialist. The boundaries were drawn to make each ward’s population approximately equal while at the same time, avoiding awkward lines that would cut through city blocks and natural and infrastructure barriers.
The proposed map can be viewed here.
The proposal was supported by the DeKalb City Council when it was presented on Monday. First Ward Alderwoman Carolyn Morris said the boundaries for her ward have been improved.
“Some of the shifts that have been done for the First Ward look like they deliberately acknowledged some of the more natural ways that the roads flow,” said Morris. “It’s more logical this way.”
The 2020 Census set DeKalb’s population at 40,290, a loss of 3,805 people from a decade earlier. The loss came during a challenging census year when NIU students were taking their classes online because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Council will vote on the ward map at a future meeting, providing time for public input.